Expo '99 swings into the RDS

Golf club captains, men and women, will have the opportunity of meeting their union officials at Golf Expo '99. Both the GUI and the ILGU have taken stands at the show, which will be staged at the RDS, Ballsbridge, from Friday February 26th to Sunday February 28th.

This is a measure of the perceived appeal of an event, sponsored by Progressive Life Assurance, which will have more than 100 exhibition stands representing every facet of the game.

For the first time in this country, enthusiasts will have the opportunity not only of testing the most up-to-date equipment, but of actually buying it in an exhibition environment. This is facilitated by the presence of McGuirk's Golf, who promise to have special deals on offer over the three days.

Callaway will also be there, managing an indoor, three-bay netted driving range where their 1999 equipment may be tested. And Stylo Matchmakers International, with the help of six-foot dinosaur characters Desmond and Damien Stylosaurusrex, are using the event to launch their European Junior/Toddler Golf Campaign in this country.

Aimed at encouraging more children onto the nation's fairways, it is part of a major golf awareness programme which was launched at the British Open at Royal Birkdale last year. In fact, Tiger Woods, who finished third to his good friend Mark O'Meara, took time out during the Open to play with the dinosaurs with a view to promoting the programme.

Further information from: tel (01) 6606273; fax (01) 6604165.

Hollystown GC have announced a weekly seniors competition, to be held Thursday mornings from 8.30 to 11.30. The £10 greenfee will include competition prizes.